Allena Ikehara will study at Seinan Gakuin University in Fukuoka, Japan, for the entire academic year. The business administration major hopes to become more fluent in the Japanese language and culture. She will also practice judo in Japan so she can share her experience with her local judo club upon her return.

Christopher Kopp, a biology major minoring in linguistics, will spend a year at Beijing Normal University in China. The Kealakehe High School graduate will take an intensive Chinese language program where he will learn the equivalent of two years of Mandarin. He plans to become a pediatrician and practice in China.

The $5,000 Gilman scholarship aims to encourage students to choose non-traditional study abroad destinations, and to support students traditionally under-represented in study abroad programs such as science and engineering majors, students of diverse ethnic backgrounds and students with disabilities.

All UH Hilo students who meet the minimum qualifications have an opportunity to study abroad. To provide support to students studying abroad or to learn more about the study abroad program, contact Carolina Lam at the Center for Global Education and Exchange at (808) 933-8810 or visit www.uhh.hawaii.edu/uhh/studyabroad.